Kentucky Football Lands First 2026 Commitment with 4-Star OT Jarvis Strickland
The Kentucky Wildcats have secured their first commitment for the class of 2026, landing four-star offensive tackle **Jarvis Strickland**. The highly touted prospect from North Carolina chose Kentucky over several top programs, giving head coach Mark Stoops and his staff a major early victory on the recruiting trail.
Strickland, who stands **6-foot-6 and weighs 290 pounds**, is regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in his class. His combination of size, strength, and agility has made him a coveted target for Power Five programs, with offers from schools like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. However, Kentucky’s focus on developing offensive linemen—often referred to as the “Big Blue Wall”—played a key role in his decision.
“I love the culture at Kentucky,” Strickland said. “The coaching staff made me feel like a priority from day one, and I know I can develop into an elite player there.”
Strickland’s commitment continues Kentucky’s strong recent recruiting trend along the offensive line. The Wildcats have produced multiple NFL linemen in recent years, and Strickland’s addition ensures that tradition remains strong. His presence could be a foundation piece for the Wildcats’ 2026 class, as the staff looks to build around a premier offensive lineman.
With Strickland on board, Kentucky is off to a promising start in the 2026 recruiting cycle. The Wildcats will look to build momentum in the coming months as they aim to compete with SEC heavyweights for top-tier talent.